Suggestions for Using Crash Facts

Transcription

1 Suggestions for Using Crash Facts Crash Facts is designed to meet the needs of different audiences. If you are unfamiliar with this report, here are some suggestions that may make it easier for you to find the information you are looking for. Legislators: Sections II though IX focus on particular traffic safety sub-areas (alcohol, seat belts, crashes involving motorcycles, pedestrians, etc.). Each section begins with a narrative that provides background, mentions highlights for the years, and discusses some legislative history (where appropriate). The first table in each section gives a -year history outlining the key parameters of the problem. Students studying traffic safety issues: Of all age groups, teenagers and young adults pay the heaviest price in traffic safety (in terms of deaths and injuries). Each section contains tables focusing on age of drivers and victims in crashes. Law enforcement community: There are over 5 city, county, and state law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. Each agency has access to its own reports on traffic crashes, but the data as a whole are brought together here. Table.4 shows statistical information arranged by county. Table.5 reports on the traffic crash experience of almost cities with populations over,5. Public health: Traffic crashes cause deaths and injuries; they are the leading cause of death to people ages to 34. Crash Facts contains many tables that show age and gender of drivers and victims as well as the contributing factors in crashes. Section II contains tables relevant to chemical dependency issues, in particular, alcohol use and crash involvement. City and county government agencies: County-specific information is in Table.4; city-specific statistics may be listed in Table.5. You may request additional information on traffic crashes in your county or city by contacting the Office of Traffic Safety at the address below. Data availability: Although this report presents a wide spectrum of information in more than tables and figures, it may not answer every question. You may request additional data from the Office of Traffic Safety by submitting a formal request to the address below. Keep in mind that depending on the complexity of the data requested, it may take up to two weeks to receive a response back. Requests should be directed to: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety 444 Cedar Street, Suite 5 St. Paul, MN (65) -776

2 MINNESOTA MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH FACTS 9 A summary of crashes occurring on Minnesota roadways based on crash reports submitted to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by investigating police officers and drivers. Produced by: Minnesota Department of Public Safety 444 Cedar Street, Suite 5 St. Paul, MN (65) -776 [TTY (65) ] Office of Traffic Safety For additional copies contact: Office of Communications Phone (65) Acknowledgements: Many thanks to the Crash Records Section of the Driver and Vehicle Services Division at the Department of Public Safety for their excellent data quality control work. Thanks also to the State Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and Medical Examiners for their assistance regarding alcohol-related crashes. And many thanks to all of the Minnesota officers and troopers who were on the scene of these traffic crashes. Their hard work and data reporting make this book a valuable document to traffic safety researchers, legislators, the media, and the public. Note: This publication can be viewed online at the Office of Traffic Safety website: Click on Crash Data and Reports at the top of the page. This site also includes archived Crash Facts data from 999 to 8.

3 MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Office of the Commissioner 445 Minnesota Street Suite Saint Paul, Minnesota 55-5 Phone: Fax: TTY: June Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Driver and Vehicle Services Emergency Communication Networks Homeland Security and Emergency Management Minnesota State Patrol Office of Communications Office of Justice Programs Office of Traffic Safety State Fire Marshal This annual report of Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts is a compilation and analysis of crashes on our state roads. Crash Facts breaks down where, when and why these crashes occurred, who was involved, and who was impacted. The year 9 was another positive step forward for traffic safety in Minnesota. The 4 traffic death count for the year was the lowest annual number since 944 and a 7.5 percent drop in deaths from 8. However, the very high number of fatalities and injuries reflect incredible losses and are unacceptable. The year witnessed two milestones: passage of our primary seat belt law, as well as a law requiring booster seats for children. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor Pawlenty, more Minnesotans are wearing their seat belts; belt use is at a record-high 9 percent. As commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), I am grateful for the tremendous progress made in recent years to limit preventable traffic deaths. There are many factors for the continued drop in fatalities, but much can be credited to enhanced enforcement, education and outreach, engineering and emergency trauma care. These elements are all part of the state s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Program a multidisciplinary approach to addressing road safety issues at the state and local level. Whiles DPS is charged to promote traffic safety, we work in tandem with a range of partners across the state law enforcement agencies, engineers, emergency technicians, traffic safety stakeholders, lawmakers, community groups, educators, and many more. Our successes are shared across this dedicated partnership. Our continuing challenge is to drive Minnesota toward the TZD vision of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Minnesota s roads to zero. The current TZD goal is fewer than 4 traffic fatalities and,4 serious injuries in. To accomplish this, we ask every motorist to buckle up, slow down, pay attention, and always have a plan for a safe and sober ride to avoid driving impaired. Everyone every driver and passenger has a role and responsibility in keeping our roads safe. Sincerely, Michael Campion Commissioner, Department of Public Safety EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

4 Minnesota Traffic Crashes in 9 OVERVIEW This edition of Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts summarizes the crashes, deaths, and injuries that occurred on Minnesota roadways during 9. The information provided in this book will assist you in traveling our roadways safely. In 9 73,498 traffic crashes were reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) 3,76 motor vehicles and 8,849 people were involved in these crashes 4 people died and 3,74 people were injured Estimated economic cost to Minnesota: $,495,65,5 On an average day in 9 crashes. deaths and 85 injuries Average daily cost: $4,97,549 9 crashes that were known to be alcohol involved 3,93 crashes 4 deaths and,59 injuries Estimated economic cost: $55,899,5 Highlights from the 9 Crash Facts edition Traffic fatalities decrease. In 9, Minnesota experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities of 7.5 percent from the previous year. There are many factors for the continued drop in fatalities, but much can be credited to enhanced enforcement, education and outreach, engineering and emergency trauma care. These elements are all part of the state s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative a multidisciplinary program addressing traffic issues at the local level. However, traffic fatalities in Minnesota remain at epidemic levels - serving as a call-to-action for all motorists to buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention, and never drive impaired. Safety belt use in Minnesota is 9 percent. An observational study in August, 9 showed that belt use by front seat drivers and passengers was 9%. It is a known fact that seat belts save lives. All motor vehicle occupants are urged to buckle up, every seat, and every ride. The fatality rate in Minnesota per million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) remains low. The VMT-based fatality rate for 9 is.74, one of the lowest in the nation. The VMT fatality rate has shown dramatic improvement in the last five decades (it was 5.5 in 966). CRASH FACTS ORGANIZATION Crash Facts has a wealth of statistical information about traffic crashes in Minnesota. Follow this basic user s guide to navigate the book. Introduction Beginning on page, you will find introductory information including the history, societal costs, and general cause of crashes. You can use this information to find: i

5 How crash costs are estimated Contributing factors in crashes Historical analysis of traffic deaths over the last 35 to 4 years Licensed drivers by age (Table ) Registered motor vehicles by category (Table 3) Section I: All Crashes Beginning on page 7, you will find the aggregate of all traffic crashes that occurred in Minnesota in 9. Information provided includes: Historical information dating back to 965 (Table.) Contributing factors to crashes (Tables.9,. and.7) Holiday crashes, deaths and injuries (Table.8) Section II: Alcohol-Related Crashes Beginning on page 38, you will find data about impaired driving and traffic crashes. This section focuses on crashes involving alcohol and spells out answers to commonly-raised questions, including: Historical overview since 98 (Table.) DWI arrest statistics (Tables.,.3, and.4) Persons killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes by age (Table.5) Section III: Safety Equipment Use by Vehicle Occupants in Crashes Beginning on page 5, you will find information on belt use by people in cars and trucks. This section includes a table showing observational seat belt use rates since 986 (Table 3.) Section IV: Motorcycle Crashes Beginning on page 6, you will find information on crashes involving motorcycles. Crashes involving all-terrain vehicles or mopeds are not included in this section. Section V: Truck Crashes Beginning on page 69, you will find information on crashes that involved a heavy commercial vehicle. Crashes involving pickup trucks are not included in this section. Section VI: Pedestrian Crashes Beginning on page 77, you will find information on motor-vehicle/pedestrian crashes. Crashes involving a pedestrian/train or pedestrian/bicycle are not included in this section. Section VII: Bicycle Crashes Beginning on page 86, you will find information on motor-vehicle/bicycle crashes. Bicycle crashes not on public highways and roadways are not included in this section. Bicycle crashes not involving a motor vehicle are not included in this section. Section VIII: School Bus Crashes Beginning on page 9, you will find information pertaining to school bus crashes. This section focuses on crashes that involved a school bus as a contact vehicle. Crashes where a school bus was indirectly involved are not included in this section. (Note: this data collection began in 3; please see narrative for discussion) Section IX: Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes Beginning on page 96, you will find information pertaining to train crashes. Crashes that do not involve a motor vehicle are not included in this section. Definitions: The definitions section at the end of the book attempts to succinctly define key terms. ii

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... Figure Chart of Vehicles, Drivers, and Fatality Rates, Minnesota, Table Number of Traffic Fatalities in Minnesota, Figure Chart of Traffic Fatalities in Minnesota, Table Number of Licensed Drivers in Minnesota, Table 3 Number of Registered Motor Vehicles in Minnesota, I: ALL CRASHES... 7 WHO was involved Table. Traffic Safety Statistics Summary, Table. Traffic Crash Trends, Table.3 9 Fatalities by Traffic Role, Gender, and Age... Table.4 Age and Gender of Persons Killed or Injured in 9 Crashes... Table.5 Age and Gender of Drivers in 9 Crashes... 3 Table.6 Licensed vs. Crash-Involved Drivers by Age, Figure. Age and Gender of Persons Killed or Injured, Figure. Licensed vs. Crash-Involved Drivers by Age, Table.7 Drivers in 9 Crashes by Age and First Harmful Event... 6 Table.8 Drivers in 9 Crashes by Physical Condition... 6 Table.9 Single-Vehicle Crashes: Contributing Factors by Percent, Within Driver Age Groups, Table. Multiple-Vehicle Crashes: Contributing Factors by Percent, Table. Within Driver Age Groups, Persons Involved in Crashes by Type of Vehicle Occupied and Injury Severity, WHAT the conditions were Table. Types of Motor Vehicles in 9 Crashes... Table.3 9 Crashes and Injuries by First Harmful Event... Table.4 9 "Hit-and-Run" Crashes by First Harmful Event... Table.5 9 Crashes by Traffic Control Device... Table.6 9 Crashes by Weather Condition... Table.7 Contributing Factors in 9 Crashes... 3 Table.8 9 Crashes by Light Condition... 4 Table.9 9 Crashes by Road Surface Condition... 4 Table. 9 Crashes by Road Design... 4 Table. 9 Crashes by Diagram... 5 WHERE they happened Table. 9 Crashes by Population of Area... 5 Table.3 9 Crashes by Type of Roadway... 6 Table.4 9 County Crash Report... 7 Table.5 9 Crashes in Cities of,5 or More Population... 3 WHEN they happened Table.6 9 Crashes by Time and Day Figure.3 Total Crashes vs. Fatal Crashes by Time, Table.7 9 Crashes, Fatalities, and Injuries by Month Table.8 Holiday Crash Summary, Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page iii Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

7 II: ALCOHOL - RELATED CRASHES Table. Alcohol-Related Fatal Crash Summary, Table. Impaired Driving Incidents ( DWIs ) by Gender and by Area of State where Arrest was made, Table.3 Impaired Driving Incidents ( DWIs ) for Selected Age Groups, Figure. Percent of Impaired Driving Incidents ( DWIs ) Committed by Offenders in Four Age Groups, Table.4 Impaired Driving Incidents ( DWIs ) by Age, Table.5 Ages of Persons Killed and Injured in all Crashes and in Alcohol-Related Crashes, Table.6 9 Alcohol-Related Fatalities Level of Alcohol Concentration by Traffic Role Table.7 Percent of Deaths, Injuries, and Property Damage Crashes Determined to be Alcohol-Related, Table.8 First Harmful Event in Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes and all Fatal Crashes, Table.9 Test Results of Drivers Killed, Table. Drivers Killed Who Tested. or Higher, - 9 ("Any Alcohol") Table. Drivers Killed Who Tested Over the Legal Limit, - 9 ("Over Limit") Figure. Killed Drivers Tested for Alcohol: Percent Over. Alcohol Level and Percent Over the Legal Limit, Figure.3 Percent of Drivers Killed Who Had Been Drinking by Age, Table. 9 Driver Fatalities' Level of Alcohol Concentration by Age Table.3 9 Alcohol-Related Crashes by Month Table.4 9 Alcohol-Related Crashes by Roadway Type Figure.4 9 Alcohol-Related Crashes by Time of Day Figure.5 9 Alcohol-Related Crashes by Day of Week Table.5 9 Alcohol-Related Crashes by Time of Day and Day of Week... 5 III: SAFETY EQUIPMENT USE BY VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN 9 CRASHES... 5 Table 3. Percent of Front Seat Occupants Wearing Safety Belts, by Date of Observation Study, Table 3. Motor Vehicle Occupants Killed or Injured by Ejection Status and Injury Severity, Table 3.3 Motor Vehicle Occupants Killed or Injured, by Age and Injury Severity, Figure 3. Safety Equipment Use among Motor Vehicle Occupants Killed and Injured by Age, Table 3.4 Safety Equipment Use by Vehicle Occupants, by Gender and Injury Severity, Table 3.5 Safety Equipment Use by Vehicle Occupants Killed or Injured, by Age and Injury Severity, Table 3.6 Percent of Injured or Killed Motor Vehicle Occupants Who Used Safety Equipment by Injury Severity and Year, Table 3.7 Safety Equipment Use by Motor Vehicle Occupants Killed and Injured, by Roadway Type, Table 3.8 Safety Equipment Use by Motor Vehicle Occupants Killed and Injured by Region of State, Table 3.9 Airbag Deployments, Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page iv Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

8 IV: MOTORCYCLE CRASHES... 6 Table 4. Motorcycle Crash Summary, Table 4. 9 Motorcycle Crashes by First Harmful Event... 6 Table Motorcycle Crashes by Population of Area... 6 Table Motorcycle Crashes by Month Figure 4. 9 Motorcycle Crashes by Time of Day Table Motorcycle Crashes by Time and Day Table 4.6 Motorcyclists Killed or Injured by Age and Gender, Figure 4. Motorcyclists Killed and Injured by Age and Gender, Table 4.7 Helmet Use by Motorcyclists Killed or Injured, Table 4.8 Endorsement Status of Motorcycle Operators Involved in Fatal Crashes, Table 4.9 Alcohol Use by Motorcycle Drivers, Table 4. 9 Motorcycle Driver Fatalities' Level of Alcohol Concentration by Age Table 4. Contributing Factors in 9 Motorcycle Crashes V: TRUCK CRASHES Table 5. Truck Crash Summary, Table 5. Persons Killed or Injured in 9 Truck Crashes by Vehicle Occupied... 7 Table 5.3 Contributing Factors in 9 Truck Crashes... 7 Table 5.4 Ages of Truck Drivers in 9 Crashes... 7 Table 5.5 Drivers in 9 Truck Crashes by Physical Condition... 7 Table Truck Crashes by First Harmful Event Table Truck Crashes by Month Table Truck Crashes by Time and Day Figure 5. 9 Truck Crashes by Time of Day Table Truck Crashes by Road Surface Condition Table 5. 9 Truck Crashes by Weather Condition Table 5. 9 Truck Crashes by Population of Area Table 5. 9 Truck Crashes by Type of Roadway VI: PEDESTRIAN CRASHES Table 6. Pedestrian Crash Summary, Table 6. Pedestrians Killed or Injured by Age and Gender, Figure 6. Pedestrian Fatalities by Age Group, - 9 Combined Figure 6. Pedestrians Killed and Injured by Age and Gender, Table Pedestrian Crashes by Month... 8 Table Pedestrian Crashes by Population of Area... 8 Table Pedestrian Crashes by Time and Day... 8 Figure Pedestrian Crashes by Time of Day... 8 Table 6.6 Prior Action of Vehicles in 9 Pedestrian Crashes... 8 Table 6.7 Prior Action of Pedestrians Killed or Injured in Table 6.8 Contributing Factors in 9 Pedestrian Crashes Table 6.9 Pedestrian Fatalities' Level of Alcohol Concentration, Table 6. 9 Pedestrian Fatalities' Level of Alcohol Concentration by Age Table 6. 9 Pedestrian Fatalities' Level of Alcohol Concentration by Time of Day Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page v Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

9 VII: BICYCLE CRASHES Table 7. Bicycle Crash Summary, Table 7. 9 Bicycle Crashes by Month Figure 7. 9 Bicycle Crashes by Time of Day Table Bicycle Crashes by Time and Day Table Bicycle Crashes by Population of Area Figure 7. Bicyclists Killed and Injured by Age and Gender, Table 7.5 Bicyclists Killed or Injured by Age and Gender, Table 7.6 Prior Action of Bicyclists Involved in 9 Crashes Table 7.7 Contributing Factors in 9 Bicycle Crashes... 9 VIII: SCHOOL BUS CRASHES... 9 Table 8. School Bus Crash Summary, Table 8. 9 School Bus Crashes by Time of Day... 9 Table School Bus Crashes by Month... 9 Table 8.4 Age and Gender of Persons Injured in 9 School Bus Crashes Table 8.5 Persons Killed or Injured in 9 School Bus Crashes by Population of Area Table School Bus Crashes by First Harmful Event Table School Bus Crashes by Traffic Control Device Table 8.8 Contributing Factors in 9 School Bus Crashes IX: MOTOR VEHICLE/TRAIN CRASHES Table 9. Motor Vehicle/Train Crash Summary, Table 9. 9 Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes by Month Table Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes by Time and Day Table Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes by Traffic Control Device Table 9.5 Ages of Persons Killed or Injured in 9 Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes Table Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes by Population of Area Table 9.7 Contributing Factors in 9 Motor Vehicle/Train Crashes DEFINITIONS... Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page vi Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

10 INTRODUCTION At the end of the 9 calendar year, 3,948,34 people held Minnesota driver licenses and 4,866,763 motor vehicles were registered in the state. Vehicles traveled over 57 billion miles on public roadways in the state. There were 73,498 traffic crashes; 4 people died and 3,74 people were injured in those crashes. This report provides a statistical summary of those crashes. The purpose of Crash Facts is to provide summary statistical information about the crashes reported to the state each year. The term crash is used in preference to accident. The latter term suggests there is a random, unavoidable quality about the events in question. In fact, the experience of the last three decades strongly demonstrates that advances in engineering and technology, coupled with changes in public policy and individual human behavior, can dramatically reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. Cost of traffic crashes The necessity of getting from one place to another and the efficiency of motor vehicles for this purpose result in significant costs to society. The National Safety Council reports that crashes (from all causes) are the leading cause of death among persons aged to 34 and the fifth leading cause of death among all persons (Injury Facts, 5-6 Edition, p. -). It is possible to estimate economic costs of traffic crashes, although the results can vary depending on definitions and estimating procedures. Many states use the National Safety Council s economic cost figures, the most recent of which are based on 8 data. Based on those, the total economic loss from 9 traffic crashes in Minnesota was $,495,65,5, a figure that is calculated as follows: Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes in 9 4 $,3, =$547,3,,7 severe $67, =$ 85,4, 7,74 moderate $,8 =$68,65,,89 minor $,3 =$7,694,7 5,968 PDO $8,3 =$43,34,4 Total = $,495,65,5 Factors affecting traffic crashes Many factors may contribute to even a single crash. Cell phone use or playing with the radio may lead to driver distraction, which together with wet, slippery pavement and high traffic congestion at an intersection causes a traffic crash. Public policy cannot address the infinite number of individual causes imaginable. There are a more limited number of factors that significantly affect the aggregate of traffic crashes. These can be organized into logical groups, such as human behavior factors or vehicle safety factors. The following paragraphs outline some of the factors most frequently thought to affect crash incidence and severity. Vehicle Safety Factors: Engineering and design standards for vehicle performance can help prevent crashes from occurring. When there is a crash, vehicles designed for safety can increase survivability. For example, the design of windshield glass and the location and durability of gas tanks can increase safety. The passenger packaging inside a vehicle can reduce injury severity through means such as padded dashboards and collapsible steering wheel columns. Passenger protection systems in vehicles (airbags, safety belts, etc.), if used, can eliminate injuries or reduce their severity. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

11 Behavior factors: For all crashes, the driver behaviors police cite most often as contributing factors are, in order of frequency, driver inattention or distraction, failure to yield right of way, and illegal or unsafe speed. In fatal crashes, illegal or unsafe speed is cited most often, followed by driver inattention or distraction. Reducing these behaviors would reduce crashes. Further, when there is a crash, using safety equipment will reduce severity. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should wear helmets. Vehicle occupants should use safety belts. Infants and toddlers should always be placed in child safety seats, and booster seats should be used for older children. Roadway characteristics: Limited access highways carry about a fifth of the traffic volume in Minnesota, yet account for only about a twelfth of fatal accidents. They are built to high roadway engineering standards and are very safe, relatively speaking. In general, roadway characteristics conducive to safety include wide lanes, clearly visible striping, flared guardrails, wide shoulders of good quality, shoulders and roadsides free of obstacles, well-located crash attenuation devices, well-planned use of traffic signals, and effective communication to roadway users through clear and visible signing. Environmental factors: Weather conditions affect crash incidence and severity. Clear dry roads are conducive to high speeds; consequently, fatal crashes have a pronounced seasonal variation, peaking in the warm summer months and falling in the winter months. The total number of crashes is driven by the incidence of the less serious property damage crashes, which tend to have a reverse seasonal variation, peaking in the winter months. Volume of traffic, or vehicle miles traveled (VMT), is a predictor of crash incidence. All other things being equal, as VMT increases, so will traffic crashes. The relationship may not be simple, however; after a point, increasing congestion leads to reduced speeds, changing the proportion of crashes that occur at different severity levels. The quality and availability of emergency medical services might be classified as an environmental factor. The first hour after a traumatic episode, such as a traffic crash, has been called the golden hour. Victims who receive emergency services within that time have markedly improved chances of survival. The age structure of the population has a strong effect on crash incidence, although it is not generally thought about since demographic changes are so gradual. In Minnesota, about one in 7 teenage drivers are involved in crashes each year. The involvement rate drops off for successive age groups. For example, it is about in 36 for drivers in their 4s. The aging of the baby boom has reduced crash incidence, however, their children who are now driving may cause an increase. Historical perspective In 966, there were 53,4 traffic fatalities in the country, or 5.7 for every hundred million miles of travel. In Minnesota in 968, there were,6 traffic fatalities, or 5.3 per hundred million miles of travel. Those were the worst years. Since then, both the rate and the number of fatalities have declined in a fairly steady pattern. In 9, there were 33,963 traffic fatalities throughout the country and 4 in Minnesota. The respective rates per hundred million miles of travel were.6 and.74. A dramatic benefit has been achieved. The benefit is in large part the result of conscious decision-making on traffic safety issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (originally called the National Highway Safety Bureau) was established in the US Department of Transportation in 967. Since then it has promoted, and Congress has passed, legislation mandating the manufacture of safer cars. At the same time, the federal interstate highway system has expanded, contributing to a safer roadway environment. Simultaneously there has been an effort to change human behavior factors. Minnesota was a leader among the states in the development of innovative drunk driving countermeasures. The Legislature made significant amendments to the DWI law in 97, 976, 978, and in almost every year of the 98s. It also passed the child passenger protection law in 98 and the secondary seat belt law in 986. It subsequently amended those laws, closing loopholes, broadening their scope, and strengthening penalties. The benefits of action in these areas Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

12 are clear. The graph shown in Figure is one illustration. It shows a steady increase in the number of drivers and vehicles, but a steady decrease in the fatality rate per hundred million miles of travel. Legislative requirement Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts is produced annually by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, in accordance with state law. Minnesota Statutes, Section 69., requires that traffic crashes be reported to the Department. Section 69. then requires the Department to tabulate all crash reports and publish annually statistical information based thereon as to the number and circumstances of traffic crashes Section 69.9 specifies that a driver involved in a crash that results in injury to or death of any person or total property damage of $, or more must submit a report within ten days of the crash. The law enforcement officer who investigates the crash must also submit a report within ten days. The minimum dollar amount for crashes involving only property damage has changed over the years. The first minimum was set at $5 in 939. It was raised to $ in 965, to $3 on August, 977, and then to $5 on August, 98. The current minimum of $, took effect August, 994. Crash Facts is divided into nine sections. The first present s information on the aggregate of all crashes reported to the state during the preceding calendar year. The remaining eight sections focus on specific areas of interest to policy makers and the public. Section II deals with alcohol-related crashes. Section III is about the use of safety equipment by occupants of vehicles required to be equipped with passenger protection systems, including child safety seats and safety belts. The following five sections focus on crashes that involved motorcycles (section IV), trucks (section V), pedestrians (section VI), bicycles (section VII), and school buses (section VIII). The final section (IX) summarizes information on collisions between motor vehicles and trains. FIGURE Vehicles, Drivers, and Fatality Rate, Vehicles (Millions) Drivers (Millions) Fatality Rate (Per Million Vehicle Miles Traveled) Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 3 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

13 TABLE Minnesota Traffic Fatalities, 9 9 Since 96: Vehicle Miles Traveled (Billions) and Fatality Rates (Per Million VMT) Fatal- Fatal- Fatal- Fatal- Vehicle Fatal Fatal- Vehicle Fatal Fatal- Vehicle Fatal YEAR ities YEAR ities YEAR ities YEAR ities Miles Rate YEAR ities Miles Rate YEAR ities Miles Rate () () (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) () () () (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) , , , , FIGURE Minnesota Traffic Fatalities, 9-9 Since 96: Miles Traveled (in Ten Billions) and Fatality Rates (per Million VMT) Miles traveled in ten billions (e.g. 4. = 4 billion) Fatalities Fatality rate per million miles of travel (e.g. 4. = 4 traffic deaths per million miles) Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 4 Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

14 TABLE DRIVER LICENSE * SUMMARY BY AGE, 4-9 Age ,638 3,6 6,36 6,9 6,4 8,6 6 55,8 55,398 53,5 5,499 49,8 49, ,86 66,397 6,43 65,44 6,695 64,67 59,766 64,9 57,875 64,337 56,554 6,77 9 7,6 68,84 67,97 67,664 68,5 67,7 7,53 7,78 68,86 69,9 68,9 69,74 Under 357,67 354,5 34, , ,4 334, ,59 8,7 73,9 69,868 66,4 64, ,589 36, ,949 35,877 35, , ,7 33,48 348,538 39, ,4 3,685 36,944 36,4 365,5 34, ,8 33, , ,55 34,5 336,64 37,9 39, , ,78 39,439 4,876 37,638 4,75 358,9 4, , ,5 339,999 39, , ,54 36,97 369,95 376,96 38, ,93 8,33 96,39,34 36,85 6,6 34,38 39,65 34,589 5,756 33,75 65, ,35 63,5 68,693 78,98 87,347 93, ,77 4,333 3,383 4, 3,75 4,75 36,6 4,678 4,879 3,74 43,738 3, ,76 85,56 86,74 88,66 89,45 87,67 85 & Older 6,389 6,55 66,7 7,373 73,5 7,997 Total 3,85,856 3,87,93 3,87,6 3,97,974 3,938,4 3,948,34 * This information is provided by the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS). Counts of licensed drivers include drivers who only hold learner's permits. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 5 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

15 TABLE 3 MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS, 4-9 Type of Vehicle* Passenger Vehicles 3,39,48 3,88,446 3,353,858 3,46,848 3,455,45 3,478,8 Pickup Trucks 9,94 894,3 883,63 87,57 849,67 833,39 Commercial Trucks Recreational Vehicles 6,49 39,853,577 39,3 5,54 37,978 7,59 37,399 5,7 34,998 3,489 35,4 Motorcycles 74,95 85,87 97,735 9,59 4,65 6,675 Motorized Bicycles School Buses 8,67 5,989 9,43 6,93,76 6,57,343 6,399 5,6 6,766 5,559 6,8 Buses 5,59 5,8 5,35 5,3 5,76 4,996 Van Pool Tax Exempt Vehicles 47,99 49,845 49,7 5,483 5,45 5,48 Motor Vehicle Subtotal 4,63,664 4,688,953 4,76,87 4,88,69 4,858,5 4,866,763 Other Registrations* Trailers,388,64,448,877,445,556,58,57,564,54,6,989 Classic Motor Vehicles 46,54 53,383 53,594 6,95 66,47 7,858 Classic Motorcycles 5,73 6,66 6,855 7,5 8,4 8,778 Other Subtotal,54,886,68,56,66,5,675,863,738,65,79,65 Total Registrations 6,7,55 6,97,479 6,366,877 6,494,553 6,597,5 6,659,388 * Information provided by Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division. Minnesota license plates on a vehicle signify that it has been registered with the state and that the owner has paid the registration fee. The vehicle classification used for registration purposes is similar, but not identical, to the vehicle classification (shown in Tables. and.) police use in reporting accidents. Following are some notes on the registration categories shown above: Passenger Vehicles include cars, SUV s, and Vans (except for "Van Pools"). A Van Pool is a Van used exclusively for car pooling purposes. Pickup Trucks are rated three-fourths ton or less. Motorcycles have engines exceeding 5 cc; otherwise the vehicle is classified as a Motorized Bicycle (Moped). Tax exempt Vehicles are vehicles owned by city, county, or state offices. They have license plates but no registration fees are paid on them. (Police and fire department vehicles are tax exempt but are not included since they do not have state license plates and are not registered.) Trailers (such as utility trailers pulled by cars, or semi or twin trailers pulled by trucks) are pulled by motorized vehicles and do not themselves have motors. Classic Motor Vehicles and Classic Motorcycles must be at least years old and cannot be used for normal transportation purposes. They can only be driven, for example, to car shows. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 6 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

16 I. ALL CRASHES Overview of Traffic Crashes in Minnesota If a traffic crash in Minnesota meets certain criteria, the law states that data concerning that crash must be reported to the Department of Public Safety. In the recent past, about 8, traffic crashes each year have been reported. This is a very large number that is commensurate with the critical dependence we have placed upon motor vehicles for all sorts of transportation needs. Preventing the number of traffic crashes remains a challenge each year for public safety officials because; by the end of the calendar year 9: - The population of Minnesota increased to 5.3 million. - More than 4.8 million motor vehicles were registered. - There were more than 3.9 million licensed drivers. - Almost 57 billion miles were driven. These numbers increase steadily. And, as more and more roads are constructed, the citizens of Minnesota face an extreme challenge in reducing this dependence on the motor vehicle, and with it, the high number and severity of traffic crashes. Crashes and Fatalities Decrease in 9 There were 73,498 traffic crashes reported to Public Safety in 9, a decrease of 7.% from 8. And, there were 4 deaths on Minnesota roads, a 7.5% decrease from the previous year. The total number of deaths in 9 was the lowest amount recorded in Minnesota since 944. There are many factors for the continued improvement in traffic safety, but much can be credited to enhanced enforcement, education and outreach, engineering and emergency trauma care. These elements are all part of the state s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative a multidisciplinary program addressing traffic issues at the local level. Traffic Crashes in 9 The following facts give an overall picture of 9 traffic crashes; In addition to the 4 killed - 3,74 were injured. -,7 of these were severe injuries. - 7,74 of these were moderate injuries. -,89 of these were minor injuries. - In all crashes, 8,849 people were involved. - In all crashes, 3,76 motor vehicles were involved. - There were 957 crashes that involved at least bicyclist. - There were 883 crashes that involved at least pedestrian. - One-third of all crashes involved just one vehicle. - One-fourth of all fatalities were less than 5 years of age. - of 3 fatalities occurred in rural areas (< 5, pop.). - In all, 6,44 crashes were hit-and-run. - The economic loss to Minnesota was almost $.5 billion. WHO was involved? Among drivers, young people and males are over represented in traffic crashes in Minnesota. There are 3,948,34 licensed drivers in the state. People aged 5-4 make up 5.5% of the licensed drivers, yet they accounted for 6.% of the crash-involved drivers. Teenage drivers are the worst, from this perspective. In 9, they represented just 6.7% of the licensed drivers, but.% of the crash-involved drivers. By contrast drivers over 65 made up 5.4% of the driving population, but accounted for just 7.9% of the crash-involved drivers. Crash-involved drivers are also more likely to be males: 73.4% of drivers in fatal crashes were male; 56.% of drivers in all crashes were male. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death to young people. In the state last year, 5 people under age 3 died in crashes, representing 3% of all traffic deaths. As mentioned previously, people over 65 are safe drivers as a general rule, but are more likely to be killed if they are involved in a traffic crash. Senior citizen drivers were involved in only 8% of all traffic crashes in 9 but accounted for % of the traffic fatalities. Among people injured, young people especially pay the price. There were 3,77 people under age 3 who were injured, representing 44% of the total number of people injured. People aged 65 and over accounted for just 8% of all traffic injuries. WHY they happened Because defective equipment (such as a flat tire) may be a contributing factor in a particular traffic crash, an officer at the scene will list,, or contributing factors for each vehicle involved. Thus, the cause of a crash is sometimes not entirely clear as multiple vehicular factors in a crash may be listed alongside multiple human factors. However, vehicular factors are not cited as often as human factors. Human behavior factors usually give us a clear indication of why a traffic crash occurs. About one-third of all crashes involve only one vehicle and about two-thirds involve two or more vehicles. Single-vehicle and multiple-vehicle crashes have different characteristics. In single vehicle crashes, illegal or unsafe speed is the contributing factor cited most often for all drivers. For older drivers, driver inattention or distraction is the most cited factor. Driver Inexperience is the second most cited factor for drivers aged 5-9. In multiplevehicle crashes, for drivers through age 64, driver inattention or distraction is cited most often, and failure to yield right of way is cited second most often. After age 65, the pattern reverses: failing to yield is most common, and inattention or distraction is second most common. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 7 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

17 WHAT the conditions were Victims of traffic crashes are mostly car, pickup, sport utility vehicle (SUV) or van occupants. Of the 4 traffic fatalities, 97 (7%) were from these 4 vehicle types. There were also 4 pedestrians, 53 motorcyclists, and bicyclists who died in traffic crashes. There were 9 deaths to ATV riders, and 3 fatalities among commercial truck occupants. A collision with another vehicle is the leading crash type. Almost half (4%) of the fatal crashes and almost twothirds (64%) of all crashes involve one vehicle colliding with another vehicle. In fatal and injury crashes, collisions with fixed objects and overturns are also common. For property damage crashes, the other leading crash types are collision with fixed object (5% of the total), and collision with a parked motor vehicle (9% of the total). Most crashes occur in good driving conditions. Over half (6%) of fatal crashes, and 68% of nonfatal crashes occurred during daylight hours. A majority of crashes occur also in good weather conditions. Over half (66%) of fatal crashes, and 55% of nonfatal crashes occurred during clear weather. Road surface conditions where crashes occurred were usually good. For fatal crashes, 74% were on dry roads, 9% were on wet roads, and 4% were on snowy or icy roads. WHERE they happened Fatal crashes tend to occur on roads in rural areas that permit high speeds and do not have interstate-type safety designs. In the year 9, 5 (68%) of all fatal crashes occurred in rural areas, which are defined as having a population of less than 5, people. And, 6 (34%) of all fatal crashes occurred on county state aid highways, and 9 of those were in rural areas. Injury and property damage crashes are more common in urban areas. Over two-thirds of them happened inside cities of 5, or more population. The seven county metro area, with over half the state's population, accounted for only 3% of the fatal crashes, but 57% of all crashes. WHEN they occurred In the year 9, fatal crashes occurred most often in the 3-4 p.m. time period (3). In fact, a fatal traffic crash is most likely to occur during afternoon rush-hour time period of 3-6 p.m. This observable fact has changed since the early 99 s when most fatal crashes occurred during the time period of p.m.-- a.m. at night. This phenomenon may be explained by the smarter deployment of law enforcement, increased seat belt usage, and the public s awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Similarly, total crashes were also concentrated in the afternoon time frame: 43% of all crashes occurred in the six hour time period of -6 p.m. This event has not changed over the years. Indeed, Figure.3 on page 36 shows that the afternoon rush hour period is truly a dangerous time to be driving. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays accounted for 88 of the 4 total fatal crashes (5%). Total crashes are more evenly distributed across days of the week, although Fridays had the most (7%) and Sundays had the least (%). As a general rule, harsh winter weather results in more traffic crashes. In other words, there are more fenderbenders during icy and snowy conditions. January 9 followed this axiom. Because of severe weather, January had the most crashes reported of any month (,93). Warmer weather produces more fatalities. July had the most with 48. As mentioned earlier, though, other factors are involved than strictly the weather. These include speeding, drinking and driving, not wearing a seat belt, and not paying attention while driving. Can traffic crashes be prevented? Each year over the past decade, about 5 people were killed and 35, people were injured on our roadways. We must acknowledge the fact that Minnesota is still experiencing an epidemic concerning traffic crashes. In a public health sense, epidemics that kill and injure fewer people are usually attacked vigorously until they are no longer a threat to public safety. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses the term crash instead of accident. This is because a traffic crash can be prevented. Coupled with engineering solutions, changes in the behavior of all drivers will surely help attack the public threat of tragic roadway fatalities and injuries. DPS implores the reader to spread the word: Driving is a privilege; aggressive driving is not. Buckle up. Drive at safe speeds. Pay attention and never drive impaired. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 8 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

18 TABLE. TRAFFIC SAFETY STATISTICS SUMMARY, Vehicle Crash Rates Fatality Rates Motor State Miles Per Per Persons Licensed Vehicles Popu- Traveled Per, Per Per, Per Total In- Drivers (MV) lation (VMT), Popu- Mil, Popu- Mil Year Crashes Killed jured (million) (million) (million) (billion) MV lation VMT MV lation VMT (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) , , ,48, , , ,438, , , ,58 3, , , ,446, , , ,63, , , ,97, , , ,4, , , ,995, , , ,8, , , ,937, , , ,84, , , ,, , , ,6, , , ,87, , , ,89, , , ,73, , , ,899, , , ,7, , , ,66, , , ,845, , , ,65, , , ,38, , , ,47, , , ,469, , , ,6, , , ,5, N/A 655 N/A N/A N/A N/A , , ,97, , , ,873, , , ,654, , , ,69, , , ,68, , , ,5, Note: () By State statute, information on traffic crashes must be reported to the Department of Public Safety if the crashes involve motor vehicles in transport on Minnesota roadways, and have at least $, in property damage, or a motor vehicle occupant, pedestrian, or bicyclist is injured or killed. () The numbers shown for licensed drivers includes those who have only permits. (3) Estimates for miles traveled are provided by Minnesota Department of Transportation. (4) Numbers of licensed drivers and registered motor vehicles are provided by the Driver and Vehicle Services Division, Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page 9 Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

19 TABLE. TRAFFIC CRASH TRENDS Record High Fatal Crashes (973) Injury Crashes 8,66 6,68 4,663 4,978 3,94,59 33,686 (978) Severe,937,66,58,44,48,36 5,9 (984) Moderate 9,57 7,958 7, 7,99 6,493 5,94,36 (985) Minor 6,87 7, 6,4 6,438 6,73 5,8 8,578 (996) PDO Crashes 6,688 6,695 53,66 56,64 54,76 5,968 94,8 (975) Total Crashes 9,74 87,83 78,745 8, ,498 3,6 (975) Total Injuries 4,73 37,686 35,5 35,38 33,379 3,74 5,33 (978) Severe,44,9,844,736,553,7 6,573 (984) Moderate,46,453 9,33 9,365 8,334 7,74 7,67 (985) Minor 5,33 5,4 3,858 4,7 3,49,89 8,63 (996) Total Fatalities Motor Vehicle Occupant ,6 544 (968) () Motorcycle Pedestrian (98) (97) Bicycle All Terrain Vehicle (977) (8) Snowmobile Farm Equipment N/A (984) N/A Other Vehicle Type N/A N/A Minnesota Fatality Rate (934) U.S. Fatality Rate (95) Minnesota Economic Loss (millions) $,769 $,666 $,59 $,654 $,48 $,496 $,769 (4) 4 The available records on which these categories "record highs" are based only go back to 984. Fatalities occurring in motor vehicle/train crashes are included in other categories as well. 3 Rate is based on million vehicle miles of travel. 4 Economic cost estimates are based upon wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor vehicle damage, and employers uninsured costs, among other factors. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety

20 TABLE.3 9 FATALITIES BY TRAFFIC ROLE, GENDER, AND AGE Position Age Type of in 7 & Vehicle Vehicle Gender Older Total Car Driver Male Female Passenger Male Female Pickup Driver Male Female 4 Passenger Male 5 Female 5 SUV Driver Male Female 3 3 Passenger Male 3 7 Female 6 Van Driver Male 3 7 Female 5 Passenger Male 8 Female 3 8 Truck Driver Male 3 4 Passenger Male Motorcycle Driver Male Female Passenger Male Female Other Driver Male 3 3 Motor Female Vehicle Passenger Male Female 3 Bicyclist Male 3 Female Pedestrian Male Female Total Male Fatalities Female Total Note: The vehicle types for the 5 fatalities in the Other Motor Vehicle category consisted of: One riding mower, 9 ATV s, commercial bus, and 3 farm equipment. Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 9 page Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety